These spooky ghost-shaped mozzarella sticks are perfect for Halloween! They’re cheesy, crispy, and just the right amount of fun to make your snack time a little festive.
Making them is a breeze! Just dip the cheese in batter, fry until golden, and add some cute ghost faces with cheese or sauce. Your friends will love them—and so will you! 👻
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese: Low-moisture mozzarella is best as it melts well without becoming too gooey. If you can’t find it, part-skim mozzarella is a decent alternative, though the texture may differ slightly.
Breadcrumbs: I love using Italian-style breadcrumbs for added flavor. If you’re gluten-free, feel free to swap them with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes!
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano add a nice depth. You can customize this by adding your favorite herbs or spices, like Italian seasoning or even a pinch of cayenne for a kick!
Eyes: Whole peppercorns or black sesame seeds make great eyes. In a pinch, you can use small dots of black olives or even tiny chocolate chips for a sweeter touch!
How Do You Get the Perfect Crunch on Your Mozzarella Sticks?
The secret to crispy mozzarella sticks is all in the breading and frying technique. Here are some vital steps to follow:
- Freezing the cheese shapes before breading is key. It prevents them from melting too fast while frying.
- For the breading, make sure to press down firmly into the breadcrumbs to get an even coating.
- Fry in batches. Crowding the pan can drop the oil temperature, leading to soggy sticks. Aim for a golden brown color!
- Let them drain on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil and keep the sticks crispy.
Following these tips will help you achieve deliciously crunchy ghost mozzarella sticks that everyone will enjoy at your Halloween gathering!
How to Make Ghost Shaped Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cheese Ghosts:
- 12 ounces mozzarella cheese block (preferably low-moisture)
For the Breading:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Eyes:
- Whole peppercorns or black sesame seeds (for eyes)
For Frying and Serving:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Marinara sauce, for serving
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 30 minutes of active cooking time, plus at least 1 hour to freeze the cheese ghosts. So, set aside about 1 hour and 30 minutes total and you’ll be ready to enjoy these festive treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Cheese Ghosts:
Start by slicing the mozzarella block into 1/2-inch thick slabs. Using a ghost-shaped cookie cutter, carefully cut out ghost shapes from each slab. Once you’ve cut the shapes, place them on a parchment-lined tray and pop them in the freezer for at least 1 hour. This helps prevent them from melting too quickly during frying.
2. Setting Up the Breading Stations:
While the cheese shapes are freezing, you can set up your breading stations. In a shallow bowl, place the flour. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and the tablespoon of water until smooth. Finally, in a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Now you’re all set for breading!
3. Bread the Mozzarella Ghosts:
Once the cheese ghosts are nicely frozen, take them out of the freezer. Begin by dredging each ghost in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip each piece into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, press the ghost firmly into the breadcrumb mixture so it’s completely covered. For an extra crunchy texture, repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb step one more time. After breading, place the ghosts back on the parchment and freeze again for another 30 minutes.
4. Fry the Mozzarella Ghosts:
In a deep frying pan or pot, heat vegetable oil to around 350°F (175°C). Once the oil is hot, carefully place a few of the breaded ghosts into the oil—make sure not to overcrowd them. Fry for 1-2 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
5. Add the Eyes:
While the mozzarella ghosts are still warm, take whole peppercorns or black sesame seeds and gently press them into the top front of each ghost to create cute little eyes.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange your adorable ghost-shaped mozzarella sticks on a plate or wooden board. Optionally, sprinkle some chopped parsley for color. Offer marinara sauce on the side for dipping, and you’re ready to enjoy this festive treat with family and friends!
Happy cooking, and enjoy your spooky snacks!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese for This Recipe?
While mozzarella is the classic choice for its melty texture, you can experiment with provolone or cheddar for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that the melting properties may differ, so they might not hold their shape as well as mozzarella.
How Do I Store Leftover Mozzarella Sticks?
To store leftovers, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just ensure they are in a single layer to avoid sticking together before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
Can I Make These Mozzarella Sticks in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bread the cheese ghosts in advance but freeze them before frying. Store the breaded ghosts in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to fry, you can cook them straight from the freezer without thawing!
What Can I Substitute for Marinara Sauce?
If marinara isn’t your thing, try serving these ghosts with ranch dressing, a creamy garlic dip, or even a spicy sriracha aioli. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative with your dipping sauce!
